miércoles, 5 de mayo de 2010

Dana Garh

Dana Garh

This beautiful place is on top of Brahmäcala-parvata (Brahma- parvata). One day, Shri Krishna and Subala Sakhä were sitting here as tax collectors, eagerly awaiting the arrival of Shrimati Rädhikä and Her friends, who were to pass this way carrying various articles of worship on the pretext of going to worship the Sungod. Upon seeing Her, Shri Krishna obstructed Her path and rebuked Her, saying, “Who are You? And where are You going?”

Shri Rädhikä answered, “Don’t You know who we are?” and She fearlessly continued forward.

Krishna and Subala Sakhä again obstructed Her way. Krishna said, “Don’t You know that I have been appointed by the king of this state to collect taxes here? You cannot pass without paying tax. Every day, You carelessly strut through here carrying a variety of valuable items, and You never pay tax. Halt! Pay the tax and then You may pass.”

Visäkhä then spoke in a stern voice: “This is Rädhikä’s kingdom. Vrishabhänu-nandini Shri Rädhikä is Vrindävanesvari, not anyone else. How have You become the tax collector here without receiving Her permission? Your offence is inexcusable and for it, You must suffer.”

Shri Krishna replied, “Don’t talk so impudently. Kandarpadeva (Cupid) is the king of this place. Every day you come and go through here, secretly carrying various expensive items, but you never pay any tax. This has angered Mahäräja Kandarpa, who has sent Me here. If you refuse to pay tax, then I will arrest you all and bring you before the king. You will have to suffer whatever punishment he hands down to you.”

Hearing Krishn’s words, Visäkhä replied, “What can Your king do? Our queen is Vrindävanesvari, the queen of Vrindävana. In Her presence we fear no one. We are well acquainted with the prowess of Your king, whose pride is shattered to pieces by the arrow-like side-long glances of Shri Rädhikä.” Having said this, all the sakhis moved forward, keeping Shri Rädhikä up front.

Krishana stepped forward and stood in the middle of the narrow path of Sankari-Khor. “O impertinent women of Vraja, you fearlessly cross this place daily, hiding various kinds of jewels. Today, without fail, you must pay the tax on these jewels.”

After such joking words and much laughter, Kisora-Kisori enjoyed various amorous pastimes in a solitary grove, and all the sakhis became filled with bliss. The temple here is called Däna Mandira.